If she says, that after the most careful
inquiry and a conscientious reconsideration of this case, she has
found herself forced to come to the conclusion that justice has
already been satisfied in this matter, you will believe her, won't
you?"
"I don't know," drawled the man, a low and cunning expression
lighting up his ugly countenance. "She wants to marry her daughter
to your son. Any live dog is better than a dead one; I guess her
opinion don't go for much."
Recoiling before a cynicism that pierced with unerring skill the
one joint in his armour he knew to be vulnerable, the judge took a
minute in which to control his rage and then addressing the half-
averted figure in the window said:
"Mrs. Scoville, will you assure this man that you have no
expectations of marrying your daughter to Oliver Ostrander?"
With a slow movement more suggestive of despair than any she had
been seen to make since the hour of her indecision had first
struck, she shifted in her seat and finally faced them, with the
assertion:
"Reuther Scoville will never marry Oliver Ostrander. Whatever my
wishes or willingness in the matter, she herself is so determined.
Not because she does not believe in his integrity, for she does;
but because she will not unite herself to one whose prospects in
life are more to her than her own happiness."
The fellow stared, then laughed:
"She's a goodun," he sneered. "And you believe that bosh?"
Mr. Black could no longer contain himself.
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